AND UNDERLININGS ON THE TELEGRAM OF THE MALSEVSKY DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

February 20, 1919

To Bryukhanov:

Have you managed to do anything? And what exactly?

# TELEGRAM

Moscow Sovnarkom Lenin

Received 20/II

Telegram

Moscow, Presidium of the Supreme Council of the National Economy,
Chemical Department, Metal Department, Main Glass,
Copy to Maltsevprav, Narkomprod, Sovnarkom, Lenin

The extremely insufficient supply of foodstuffs to the Maltsevsky district has completely ceased. The insignificant reserves of garden products from own harvests of last year, due to the absence of imported products, have been consumed. There are no non-rationed products in the district whatsoever. The specter of death by starvation hangs over the workers. The workers are exhausted to the extreme. During work they fall into fainting fits at the machine, at the vat while pouring hot iron into their hands. There have been cases of death in the factory at work. Deaths from hunger, apart from epidemics, are increasing. Under such conditions, it is impossible to live further, let alone work. In order to preserve the lives of the workers and valuable fuel, we beseech you to direct to the Maltsevsky district from real reserves of rationed and non-rationed products in amounts of a full state ration, if only for one month, while we fulfill our assignments. The absence of comradely support from the center will inevitably provoke a wave of hunger riots. Factories and plants will not be able to continue work. The workers of the Maltsevsky district have manlily endured and have reduced themselves to complete exhaustion, up to now remaining at their machines and working. Before the administration stands a dilemma—close the factory or supply it with foodstuffs. Urgently discuss the situation. Telegraph regarding the decisions taken.

Maltsevsky District Government Administration Dynin